NEWARK
— The New Jersey Board of Chiropractic
Examiners has ordered the suspension of
the license held by a Little Falls chiropractor
after finding that he engaged in professional
misconduct by paying or offering to pay
for the referral of patients, Attorney
General Peter C. Harvey and Consumer Affairs
Director Kimberly Ricketts announced.

Charles
G. Nisivoccia agreed to a five-year suspension
of his license, under terms of a consent
order with the Board. The suspension will
take effect on December 17, allowing time
for patients to seek other practitioners.

"We
expect medical professionals to adhere
to proper codes of conduct. When professional
standards are not met, we will act on
behalf of patients to ensure their safety
and well being," Attorney General
Harvey said

At
least two years of the suspension will
be active. After that time, Nisivoccia
may apply to the Board for reinstatement.

In
addition to the license suspension, Nisivoccia
has been ordered to attend a professional
ethics course, pay $10,000 in civil penalties
and reimburse the Board $8,560.63 for
its legal and investigative costs.

"Licensed
health care professionals should know
that our Boards will not tolerate such
unethical practices," Director Ricketts
said. "Our boards will investigate
and, as in this case, take action where
appropriate."

The
Board also found that Nisivoccia was dishonest
during its investigation.

Deputy
Attorney General Siobhan B. Krier represented
the State in this matter.